jdms

Not quite. The hybrids--Morse et al--do use accordion reeds, but they're mounted in concertina-type reed pans. Hybrids are far better than "concertina-shaped accordions," in which the reeds are mounted in accordion-type reed blocks. It's still well over $1k for even a used hybrid, but there are several makers producing very good instruments for a price within the reach of those of us with, shall we say, modest incomes (even if we have to swallow hard and close our eyes when paying that price). jdms

Well, it's not quite true that there's nothing in New England--try going a little farther east... Several Morris teams, revelers from Harvard's all-night May Day Eve Ball (I think that's what they call it) and various onlookers gather at the Cambridge end of the Weeks Footbridge at dawn. There's a (portable) maypole in addition to all the Morris dancing. The festivities move in procession to the Lowell Quad on the Harvard campus around 7 (this was a bit cramped this year, as they'd just re-seeded the lawn), and then up to the plaza in front of Holyoke Center in Harvard Square. It's been going on for some time now, and participants range in age from the single digits to numbers I wouldn't dare to guess. They do (as far as I know) lack a Queen of the May. jdms

Since Ken has so kindly offered to lend me a C/G (for which thank you very much, Ken), I'll be sending in my registration form shortly. Now I get a month and a half's worth of anticipation... Joshua

I just had a look at the registration form for the Northeast Concertina Workshop and discovered that the description of Brian Peters' English-style Anglo workshop, which interests me a whole heck of a lot, has a note saying "C/G desirable." I have a question, and my question is this: just how strong is this here desire? I'm a beginner with a mere six months or so on my G/D Morse anglo, which will be my only concertina until I'm feeling a bit more wealthy. Will the workshop's being geared toward the C/G be a serious handicap to my getting the most out of Mr. Peters' teaching with a G/D instrument and, er, somewhat limited skills? Edited to add: I see the initial post also says a C/G is a good idea--might have asked my question earlier if I were paying more attention... Joshua

If tin whistles are made out of tin. What are foghorns made out of? Chas Fog! Fog! I don't suppose Lonnie Donegan had a concertina player in his band... Joshua

I'm sorry, this is abuse. You want room 12A, just along the corridor. Anyone want to buy a parrot? No, no, no. Too silly. Start again. I realize that quite a few members of this forum have some of the best Anglo concertinas around... Joshua (please don't kill me)

Theo, I don't know about teams more steeped in tradition, but my wife's Boston-area rapper team has at least one six-person dance. Their musician plays a five-string fiddle, but one thing I had in mind when I took up the concertina this summer was playing for them if he couldn't make it...maybe I'll be good enough by this time next year... Joshua

Jeff says: This is in line with my growing impression that there's no such thing as a really good cheap concertina, unless your definition of cheap is "under $2K" (which also defines the price range I'm willing to consider). Good enough given budget constraints, sure, but really good, no. Richard Morse adds: This is the resounding "no" I expected in answer to the question of whether the difference in price between Stagis and Morses (inter alia) makes up for the difference in quality... Joshua

Phil says: This is where I am now. I'm a rank newbie; I got a Hohner 20-button on Ebay before I knew any better and am teaching myself to play it (with an eye toward playing for English country dance and morris eventually), but it took me very little time indeed to figure out I'd want something better right quick. I'm in much the same position as the Bear (though I don't plan on selling my cheap concertina until I have its replacement in hand). Next for me is a 30-button C/G Anglo, and I'm not yet prepared to pay for a vintage or high-end modern instrument. From reading this thread and other things on this site and elsewhere, it looks like my choices are: A Rochelle, once they become available next month. A Stagi (from the Button Box, properly overhauled and tested). A Morse Ceili, a Herrington, a Tedrow or something else in that range. Has anyone had access to a pre-production Rochelle, or can people only guess how it will be based on the quality of the Jack and the Jackie? How is it likely to compare to a Stagi? If I'm able to pay the price of a Morse (I live in Massachusetts, so it seems a better choice to drive to Sunderland than to correspond with Homewood or Rowlett), am I likely to be better off with that than with a cheaper instrument? No doubt this will all come down to a favorite saying of my mother's: "Only you can decide." Nevertheless, I'd be glad of the benefit of your experience. Joshua